Original Tuskegee Airman Present at Opening of Smithsonian “Black Wings” Exhibit in Chicago

One of the original Tuskegee Airmen still lives at the age of 89 years old continuing to press his way through history. George Porter, Louisiana resident, is in Chicago celebrating the 4th of July weekend and his family reunion.

During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen — comprised of pilots, navigators, bombardiers, and mechanics among others — were the first all black U.S. military unit. Porter said, “We didn’t know we were making history at the time. But I tell you what, I did my best.”

Also while in Chicago, Porter had the opportunity to celebrate the history he helped to create by attending the opening of DuSable Museum’s “Black Wings” exhibit — a traveling Smithsonian presentation. As ABC News reports, this exhibit “chronicles not only the experiences but also the impact of Americans of African descent like Bessie Coleman and Benjamin O. Davis in aviation.” DeMarcus Hyler, one of the representatives for the DuSable Museum of African American History, stated, “The Fourth of July is Independence Day, and we’re celebrating American dreams of flight. We’re talking about pioneers in aviation who were African American.”

“Black Wings” will be on display at DuSable Museum through September 25.

This is a part of Ayvaunn Penn‘s Black And Making It series. She is also a spoken word artist and an award winning writer completing her degree in English and philosophy. For more of her witty-word works click here. To have your original poetry featured by Ms. Penn on Your Black Poets, click here.